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Michael Schumacher turns down approach from Lotus over F1 comeback

Team seeking a stand-in for injured Kimi Raikkonen

By Sky Sports Online

Last Updated: 18/11/13 4:53pm

Michael Schumacher: Rejected chance to drive for Lotus

The seven-time world champion's spokeswoman Sabine Kehm confirmed the approach to the 44-year-old, who quit the sport last year after a three-year comeback with Mercedes following his earlier retirement from the sport after record-breaking success at Ferrari.

"Michael's performance against Nico (Rosberg last year) and Nico's performance against Lewis (Hamilton this year) made a lot of people aware of how good Michael still was," she said.

"Plus, he is still very fit. But he just feels so good in his new life."

Lotus have been seeking a replacement for 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen, who is leaving for Ferrari at the end of the year and has pulled out of the U.S. and Brazilian Grands Prix to have back surgery.

They are now expected to agree a deal with former Renault, McLaren and Caterham driver Heikki Kovalainen to run at the U.S. Grand Prix this weekend in Austin, Texas.